Blending jar with scraper apparatus and methods

ABSTRACT

A blending apparatus includes a blending jar and a lid. The blending jar has an internal surface defining an internal volume, and a mixing blade positioned within the internal volume. The lid is releasably mounted to the blending jar and includes at least one scraper extending into the internal volume. The at least one scraper is adjacent to the internal surface of the blending jar and is arranged and configured to disrupt rotational flow of food particles within the internal volume and/or scrape food particles from an inner surface of the blending jar.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to blending devices, and more particularly toblending jars and associated scraping devices for use internally withinthe blending jar.

BACKGROUND

Food processors and blending devices have existed for many years.Example blending devices are shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,655,834 and 6,979,117, which are incorporated herein in theirentireties by this reference.

Food processors and blending machines are being used now more than ever,particularly in the high-volume, commercial beverage industry. Peopleare increasingly becoming aware of the benefits, in terms of taste andquality, of well-processed beverages. Blended fruit smoothies andsimilar fruit drinks, popular with all types of people ranging from thefitness conscious to the less active, require a food processor orblending machine. Cold beverages, in particular, which utilize fruit(frozen or fresh) and ice to prepare present unique challenges inbeverage preparation. An appropriate blending machine will break downthe ice, frozen fruit, and other ingredients in attempting to achieve anideal uniform drink consistency. In addition, food processors orblending machines are ideal for mixing nutritional supplements intobeverages while similarly attempting to achieve an ideal uniform drinkconsistency.

In addition to the recent increase in the popularity of smoothies, foodprocessors and blending machines are being used to produce many new anddifferent beverages. For example, different types of coffees, shakes,dairy drinks, and the like are now commonly served at many differenttypes of retail business locations. Consumers are demanding morediversity and variety in the beverages available at these smoothie andother retail stores. The keys to producing a high quality beverage,irrespective of the specific type of beverage, are quality ingredientsand a high quality blending machine that will quickly and efficientlyblend the ingredients to produce a drink with uniform consistency.

When blending thicker products, such as nut butters or hummus,traditional blending containers may be somewhat difficult and timeconsuming to use because the product will often stick to the walls ofthe blending jar. The user must stop the blending machine, remove thelid from the blending jar, manually scrape the internal walls of theblending jar, return the lid to enclose the product within the blendingjar, turn on the blending machine, and repeat those steps until theproduct is properly blended. The time and effort required to achieve adesired blend for the product increases with each additional sequence inwhich the user must remove the lid and manually scrape the product offthe internal wall of the blending jar.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a blending apparatusthat includes a blending jar and a lid. The blending jar has an internalsurface defining an internal volume, and a mixing blade is positionedwithin the internal volume. The lid is releasably mounted to theblending jar and includes at least one scraper extending into theinternal volume. The at least one scraper is adjacent to the internalsurface of the blending jar. The at least one scraper is arranged andconfigured to disrupt rotational flow of food particles within theinternal volume.

The lid may include a pass-through bore. In some embodiments, the lidmay include at least two scrapers. The at least one scraper may have acontoured shape along a length thereof. The at least one scraper mayhave an elongated shape that tapers at a free distal end of the at leastone scraper. The at least one scraper may be in contact with theinternal surface along substantially an entire length of the at leastone scraper.

The lid may include a graspable portion (e.g., a lid handle) accessiblefrom outside of the blending jar when the lid is mounted to the blendingjar. The graspable portion may extend in a direction opposite the atleast one scraper. The internal surface of the blending jar may extendcircumferentially, such that rotating the lid moves the at least onescraper in a circular direction along the internal surface to scrapefood particles off of the internal surface and move them into therotational flow. In embodiments with multiple scrapers, the scrapers maybe equally spaced apart circumferentially around the lid. The graspableportion of the lid may extend outside of the blending jar and the atleast one scraper may extend within the blending jar. The at least onescraper may include a beveled edge. The lid may be rotatable in oppositedirections relative to the blending jar when the lid is mounted to theblending jar.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a blending apparatusthat includes a stationary base, a motor mounted to the stationary base,a mixing container, and a lid. The mixing container may include a bladeconfigured to blend food particles held within the mixing container. Themixing container may be removably securable to the stationary base foroperable connection of the blade to the motor. The lid may be removablysecurable to the mixing chamber and include at least one elongatescraper that extends into the mixing container. Rotation of the liddislodges the food particles from an internal surface of the mixingcontainer with the at least one scraper.

The lid may include first and second scrapers. The first and secondscrapers may be equally spaced apart from each other. The at least onescraper may be contoured along its length. The lid may include agraspable portion or lid handle extending opposite from the at least onescraper.

A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of movingfood particles in a blending apparatus. The method includes providing ablending jar and a lid, wherein the lid includes at least one scraper.The method further includes blending food particles within the blendingjar, removably mounting the lid to the blending jar with the at leastone scraper inserted into the blending jar, and rotating the lidrelative to the blending jar to remove food particles from an internalsurface of the blending jar with the at least one scraper.

The lid may include a graspable portion that extends opposite the atleast one scraper, and rotating the lid may include applying arotational force to the graspable portion. The blending apparatus mayinclude a blending blade positioned within the blending jar, whereinrotating the lid in a first rotational direction moves the foodparticles toward the blending blade (e.g., in an axial direction towardthe blending blade), and rotating the lid in a second rotationaldirection moves the food particles away from the blending blade (e.g.,in an axial direction away from the blending blade). The method mayfurther include interrupting rotational flow of food particles withinthe blending jar with the at least one scraper.

Another method in accordance with the present disclosure is directed toaltering flow in a blending apparatus. The method includes providing ablending jar having a blending blade positioned therein, and a lidhaving a base portion and at least one scraper extending from the baseportion. The method includes operating the blending blade to create arotational flow of food particles in the blending jar, releasablymounting the lid to the blending jar with the at least one scraperpositioned in the rotational flow of food particles, and altering therotational flow of food particles with the at least one scraper.

The at least one scraper may contact an inner surface of the blendingjar, and the method may further include rotating the lid to move the atleast one scraper along the inner surface. The at least one scraper mayinclude a beveled surface facing into the rotational flow of foodparticles, and the beveled surface may force the rotational flow of foodparticles toward a central axis of the blending jar.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a blending apparatusthat includes a blending jar and at least one scraper member. Theblending jar has an internal surface defining an internal volume, and amixing blade positioned within the internal volume. The at least onescraper member extends into the internal volume adjacent to the internalsurface. The at least one scraper member is arranged and configured todisrupt rotational flow of food particles within the internal volume.

The blending apparatus may also include a lid releasably mounted to theblending jar, wherein the lid includes the at least one scraper member.The at least one scraper member may extend from the lid verticallydownward into the internal volume. Alternatively, the mixing blade mayinclude the at least one scraper member. The at least one scraper membermay extend vertically upward from the mixing blade into the internalvolume.

The foregoing and other features, utilities and advantages of theinvention will become apparent from the following detailed descriptionof the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example blender apparatus inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the blender apparatus of FIG.1.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a blending jar andscraper lid of the blender apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the scraper lid shown in FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the scraper lid shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the scraper lid shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the scraper lid shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the scraper lid shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the scraper lid shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the blender apparatus of FIG. 3taken along cross-section indicators 10-10.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of another example blending jar withmultiple lid assemblies in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 12A is a side view of the blending jar and scraper lid assembly ofFIG. 11.

FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the blending jar and scraper lidassembly of FIG. 11 taken along cross-section indicators 12B-12B.

FIG. 13A is a side view of the blending jar and recessed lid assembly ofFIG. 11.

FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the blending jar and recessed lidassembly of FIG. 11 taken along cross-section indicators 13B-13B.

FIG. 14A is a top perspective view of the scraper lid of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14B is a top view of the scraper lid of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 14C is a cross-sectional view of the scraper lid of FIG. 14B takenalong cross-section indicators 14C-14C.

FIG. 14D is a bottom view of the scraper lid of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 15A is a top perspective view of a cap of the scraper lid assemblyof FIG. 11.

FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 15A taken alongcross-section indicators 15B-15B.

FIG. 16A is a top perspective view of the recessed lid of FIG. 11.

FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of the recessed lid of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 17A is a top perspective view of the splash lid of FIG. 11.

FIG. 17B is a bottom perspective view of the splash lid of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 17C is a cross-sectional view of the splash lid of FIG. 17A takenalong cross-sectional indicators 17C-17C.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the blending jar ofFIGS. 13A-B showing alternatively blending blade embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to aspects of a blending apparatus thathelp reduce the amount of effort needed to achieve a desired blend ofvarious products. One aspect relates to a blender jar assembly thatincludes a blending jar and a scraper lid releasably mounted to theblending jar. The jar has a generally cylindrical shape with an interiorsurface also having a cylindrical configuration. The scraper lidincludes at least one scraper member mounted thereto which extends intothe interior of the jar when the scraper lid is releasably mounted tothe jar. The scraper typically contacts the inner surface of the jaralong at least a portion of the length of the scraper. The scraper maybe arranged and configured to disrupt a rotational flow of foodparticles (e.g., partially blended food particles) within the jar toprovide improved blending. The scraper may also assist in scraping foodparticles off a portion or all of the inner cylindrical surface of thejar so that dislodged food particles may enter into the rotational flowof food particles for further blending.

The scraper may be rotatable within the jar while the blender is running(i.e., a blending blade within the blending jar is rotating at highspeeds). The scraper may be rotatable with the scraper lid in adirection opposite the rotational direction of the blender blade. Insome arrangements, it may be possible to rotate the scraper with thescraper lid in the same direction as the blade rotation. There may bebenefits to the scraper being positioned within the jar without rotatingthe scraper relative to the jar.

The flow disruption and scraping function of the scraper within the jarmay help continually reintroduce the food particles into an area of thejar where the food particles may be acted upon by the rotating blendingblade. The scraper may reduce the amount of time the food particles arein contact with the inner surface of the jar, thereby reducing theamount of time required to reach a desired blended consistency of thefood particles and in some cases, obtain liquification of the foodparticles.

The scrapers may have various shapes, sizes, and orientations relativeto the scraper lid and jar. In one example, the scraper includes acontoured or curved portion along its length. The scraper may becontoured or angled circumferentially. The scraper may also be contouredor angled radially inward. The scraper may have a contour or curvaturealong its length that matches a curvature or angle of the inner surfaceof the jar from a top open end to a bottom closed end of the jar to helpmaintain contact of the scraper with the inner surface of the jar alongsubstantially an entire length or a portion of the length of thescraper. The curvature and other features of the scraper may improve thescraping function and flow disruption by limiting the ability of foodparticles to become trapped or packed underneath a portion of thescraper or in the area between the scraper and the area within the jarwhere the blending blade operates. The contour and other features of thescraper may help lift and remove food particles from the inner surfaceof the jar to help reintroduce the food particles to a rotational flowof food particles in the jar or to a location within the jar where thefood particles may be acted upon by the blending blade when the blade isoperating (i.e., a “blade area”).

The scraper lid may include a pass-through hole into which additionalfood particles may be delivered into the jar while the scraper lid ismounted to the jar. The scraper lid may include a lid handle thatextends in an opposite direction from the scraper. The lid handle mayprovide a graspable member or portion that the user may use to apply arotational or torque force to the scraper lid to rotate the scraperwithin the jar. The pass-through hole may extend through the lid handle.

The jar may have a shape and size that may provide easier and/orimproved blending of small amounts of food particles in a shorter amountof time with less effort as compared to using jars of different size andshape.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-10, an example blender apparatus 10 having ablending jar and scraper lid with features described above is shown anddescribed with greater detail. The blender apparatus 10 includes a base12 having a motor 14 positioned therein, a blending jar 16 releasablymounted to the base 12, a blending blade 18 positioned in the blendingjar 16, and a scraper lid 20 releasably mounted to the blending jar 16.Mounting the scraper lid 20 to the blending jar 16 positions a pair offirst and second scraper members 52, 54 within the blending jar 16.Rotating the scraper lid 20 in clockwise (CW) and counterclockwise (CCW)directions relative to the blending jar 16 a shown FIG. 1 moves thefirst and second scraper members 52, 54 along an inner surface of theblending jar 16. The first and second scraper members 52, 54 may disruptrotational flow of food particles in the blending jar 16 whether thefirst and second scraper members 52, 54 are held stationary or rotatedin the clockwise or counterclockwise directions while the blending blade18 is in operation. Rotating the first and second scraper members 52, 54may move food particles held within the blending jar 16 (e.g., detach orlift the food particles off of the inner surface of the blending jar 16and move the food particles axially toward or away from the blendingblade 18). The shape and size of the first and second scraper members52, 54 may help direct food particles into an area within the blendingjar 16 wherein the food particles may be acted upon by the rotatingblending blade 18.

The base 12 may include a jar mounting portion 22. A driveshaft 24 mayextend through the base 12 for access adjacent to the jar mountingportion 22. The driveshaft 24 may be operably connected to the motor 14,wherein operation of the motor 14 rotates the driveshaft 24. Thedriveshaft 24 may be operably connected to the blending blade 18 whenthe blending jar 16 is mounted to the base 12.

The blending jar 16 includes an open end 30, a closed end 32, a sidewall34, a jar handle 36, a spout 37, and a mounting portion 38 (see FIG. 2).The mounting portion 38 may mate with the jar mounting portion 22 of thebase 12 to provide a releasable connection of the blending jar 16 to thebase 12. A lid recess 39 may be formed at the open end 30 and sized toreceive the scraper lid 20. A portion of the scraper lid 20 may contactthe lid recess 39. Another portion of the scraper lid 20 may contact aninner surface 40 of the blending jar 16. The blending jar 16 may alsoinclude an outer surface 42, an inner volume or cavity 44 defined by theinner surface 40, an inner diameter D₁, and a jar inner surface angle α(see FIG. 3).

In one embodiment, the inner diameter D₁ may be in the range of about 3inches to about 6 inches, and more preferably about 3 inches to about 4inches. The jar inner surface angle α, which may be defined as a taperangle from the top open end 30 to the bottom closed end 32, is typicallyin the range of about 1° to about 10°, and more preferably about 3° toabout 5°.

The inner, cylindrical volume 44 (FIG. 2) may have a length L₁ extendingfrom the closed end 32 to the lid recess 39 (see FIG. 3). The innervolume 44 may also have a length L₂ that extends from the lid recess 39to an upper most portion of the blending blade 18 (i.e., a top surfaceof a tip 46 of the blending blade 18) (see FIG. 3). The lengths L₁, L₂are typically in the range of about 2 inches to about 12 inches,although many other sizes are possible.

The blending jar 16 may have an inner volume 44 that generallycorresponds to a cylindrical shape, which may be circular incross-section (see FIG. 10). Providing the circular cross-section forthe blending jar 16 may provide improved contact between the first andsecond scraper members 52, 54 of the scraper lid 20 with the innercylindrical surface 40 of the blending jar 16. A circular cross-sectionmay also provide easier rotatability of the scraper lid 20 relative tothe blending jar 16, and rotatability of the scraper lid 20 with arelatively constant amount of friction (particularly given a collectionof food particles on the inside surface of the jar) and correspondingtorsional force applied to the scraper lid 20. Other shapes and sizesare possible for the blending jar 16 that would provide at least somecontact between the first and second scraper members 52, 54 and theinner surface 40 when the scraper lid 20 is rotated relative to theblending jar 16.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-9, the scraper lid 20 includes a base portion50, the first and second scraper members 52, 54 described above, a lidhandle 56, and a lid aperture 58. The scraper lid 20 may be integrallyformed as a single piece. The scraper lid 20 may comprise a polymermaterial, such as, for example, a polycarbonate material, or any othersuitable material known to those skilled in the art. In some examples,the first and second scraper members 52, 54 may be generally rigid alongtheir lengths. In one example, the first and second scraper members 52,54 may include a plurality of layers or include an embedded member thatprovides additional rigidity and strength.

The base portion 50 may include a lip 60, a periphery sealing surface62, a top surface 64, and a bottom surface 66 (see FIGS. 4-5). The lip60 may be sized to extend into the lid recess 39 of the blending jar 16(see FIG. 3). The periphery sealing surface 62 may extend into andmaintain contact with the inner surface 40 of the blending jar 16 (seeFIG. 3). The periphery sealing surface 62 may provide a fluid tight sealbetween the scraper lid 20 and the blending jar 16. Other arrangementsare possible for the scraper lid 20, including, for example, anarrangement in which the lip 60 rests on an upper most surface of theblending jar 16 and the periphery sealing surface 62 contacts a surfaceof the lid recess 39.

The first and second scraper members 52, 54 extend from the bottomsurface 66 of the base portion 50, thereby extending the peripherysealing surface 62 downward. Thus, the scrapers may extend downward fromwhere the lid is mounted to the blending jar. The lid handle 56 extendsfrom the top surface 64 of the base portion 50. The first and secondscraper members 52, 54 may extend from the base portion 50 in adirection opposite the direction of extension of the lid handle 56 fromthe base portion 50.

The first and second scraper members 52, 54 may be integrally formed asa single, unitary piece with the base portion 50. As shown in FIGS. 3-7,the first and second scraper members 52, 54 are fixedly secured to aperipheral edge of the base portion 50, as shown in FIGS. 3-7.Alternatively, the first and second scraper members 52, 54 may beseparately formed from the base portion 50 and mounted eitherpermanently or releasably to the base portion 50. The first and secondscraper members 52, 54 may be replaceable portions of the scraper lid20.

The first and second scraper members 52, 54 may each include first andsecond ends 70, 72, a bevel 74, a leading edge 76, and a trailing edge78. The first and second scraper members 52, 54 may also have a scraperlength L₃ (see FIG. 7) and a width W (see FIG. 4). The bevel 74 may bedefined along the leading edge 76 and extend across at least a portionof the width W. The bevel 74 may assist in lifting or moving the foodparticles positioned on the inner surface 40 of the blending jar 16. Thebevel 74 may have a bevel angle δ₄ as shown in FIG. 8. The bevel angleδ₄ may be in the range of, for example, about 5° to about 60°, and morepreferably about 20° to about 30°.

Referring to FIG. 6, the first and second scraper members 52, 54 mayextend at a circumferential extension angle δ₁ relative to a centralaxis of the scraper lid 20. The circumferential extension angle δ₁ maybe in the range of, for example, about 5° to about 45°, and morepreferably about 20° to about 30°.

Referring to FIG. 7, the first and second scraper members 52, 54 mayhave a radial extension angle δ₂ relative to a central axis of thescraper lid 20. The radial extension angle δ₂ may substantially mirrorthe jar surface angle α. The radial extension angle δ₂ may be in therange of, for example, about 1° to about 10°, and more preferably about2° to about 5°. The radial extension angle δ₂, alone or in combinationwith the jar surface angle α, may assist in inserting the first andsecond scraper members 52, 54 into the inner volume 44 of the blendingjar 16. The first and second scraper members 52, 54 may partiallycontact the inner surface 40 of the blending jar 16 during insertion,and completely contact the inner surface 40 only after full insertion ofthe scraper lid 20 into its final resting position within the lid recess39 (see FIG. 3). In other arrangements, the radial extension angle δ₂ isclose to 0° and the first and second scraper members 52, 54 aredeflected radially inward as the scraper lid 20 is mounted to theblending jar 16.

The first and second scraper members 52, 54 may taper to a smaller widthW towards the second end 72, as shown in FIG. 6. The taper at the secondend 72 may have a taper angle δ₃ (see FIG. 6). The taper angle δ₃ may bein the range of, for example, about 1° to about 30°, and more preferablyabout 5° to about 20°. The taper angle δ₃ may arrange the leading edge76 at the second end 72 to be substantially parallel with the centralaxis of the scraper lid 20.

The first and second scraper members 52, 54 may be equally spaced apartaround a circumference of the base portion 50 as shown in at least FIG.8. Other arrangements may include different orientations and spacingbetween the first and second scraper members 52, 54. Furthermore,different numbers of scraper members may be possible. In one example, asingle one of the scraper members 52, 54 is provided on the scraper lid20. In other arrangements, three or more scraper members are positionedon the scraper lid 20. The scraper members shown in FIGS. 1-10 have thesame length L₃. In other arrangements, at least some of the scrapermembers have different lengths than the others. Similarly, the variousscraper members of a given scraper lid may have different widths andangles δ₁₋₄.

Referring to FIG. 10, an example food rotational flow R is shown in theblending jar 16 with the scraper lid 20 mounted to the blending jar 16.The first and second scraper members 52, 54 direct the food particles inthe food rotational flow R in a radially inward direction L. Thisdirecting of the food particles radially inward may be referred to asflow disruption or disruption of the food rotation flow R. Rotating thescraper lid 20 in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction, ormaintaining the scraper lid 20 in a stationary rotated position may allprovide the radially inward directed flow disruption for the foodrotational flow R.

Typically, rotating the scraper lid 20 in either the clockwise orcounterclockwise direction may also help detach or lift food particlesfrom the inner surface 40 of the blending jar 16. The first and secondscraper members 52, 54 may have the bevel feature 74 along the leadingedge 76, and a relatively blunt surface along the trailing edge 78. Thebevel and blunt features of the leading and trailing edge 76, 78,respectively, may have different advantages related to moving foodparticles in the blending jar 16 depending on, for example, the type offood article being blended and whether or not the blending blade 18 isbeing operated. Other features of the first and second scraper members52, 53, such as, for example, any of the angles δ₁₋₃, may providecertain advantages related to flow disruption and food scraping whenrotating the scraper lid 20 in either the clockwise or counterclockwisedirection.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-17C, another example blender apparatus 100 isshown and described. The blender apparatus includes a blending jar, ascraper lid assembly, and recessed lid assembly. The blender apparatus100 may have many of the same or similar features as the blenderapparatus 10, including the base 12 having a motor 14 positioned thereinas described above with reference to FIG. 1. A blending jar 116 may bereleasably mounted to the base 12. A blending blade 118 is positioned inthe blending jar 116. The blending blade may include tips 146 (see FIG.13B) A scraper lid 120 may be releasably mounted to the blending jar116. A recessed lid assembly 180 may be releasably mounted to theblending jar 116 in place of the scraper lid 120.

The scraper lid 120 includes a pair of first and second scraper members152, 154 that extend into the blending jar 116. Rotating the scraper lid120 relative to the blending jar 116 moves the first and second scrapermembers 152, 154 along an inner surface of the blending jar 116. Thefirst and second scraper members 152, 154 may disrupt rotational flow offood particles in the blending jar 116. Rotating the first and secondscraper members 152, 154 may move food particles held within theblending jar 116 (e.g., detach or lift the food particles off of theinner surface of the blending jar 116). The shape and size of the firstand second scraper members 152, 154 may help direct food particles intoan area within the blending jar 116 wherein the food particles may beacted upon by the rotating blending blade 118 as described above relatedto blender apparatus 10. The first and second scraper members 152, 154may have the same or similar features as the first and second scrapermembers 52, 54 described above.

The blending jar 116 may include many of the same or similar features asdescribed above for the blending jar 16. The blending jar 116 may alsoinclude an outer surface 131 along a sidewall 134 (see FIG. 11) that iscontoured or shaped. The contour or shape of outer surface 131 mayprovide additional strength to the blending jar 116. The contour orshape of the outer surface 131 may provide improved aesthetics for theblending jar 116. The blending jar 116 may be constructed to permitstacking of a plurality of blending jars 116 one inside of the other.

Referring now to FIGS. 11, 12A-B, 14A-D and 15A-B, the scraper lid 120includes a base portion 150, the first and second scraper members 152,154 described above, a lid handle 156, a lid aperture 158, and a cap157. The base portion 150, first and second scraper members 152, 154,and lid handle 156 may be integrally formed as a single piece.Alternatively, the first and second scraper members 152, 154 may beseparately formed from the base portion 150 and mounted eitherpermanently or releasably to the base portion 150. The first and secondscraper members 152, 154 may be replaceable portions of the scraper lid120. The cap 157 may mount to the lid handle 156 and cover the lidaperture 158.

The scraper lid 120 may be mounted to the blending jar 116 at an openupper end of the blending jar 116. A portion of the scraper lid 120 mayextend into the blending jar 116 and contact an inner surface of theblending jar 116. At least one portion of the scraper lid 120 may createa fluid tight seal with a portion of the blending jar 116 (e.g., seeFIG. 12B).

The first and second scraper members 152, 154 may be equally spacedapart around a circumference of the base portion 150 as shown in atleast FIG. 14D. Other arrangements may include different orientationsand spacing between the first and second scraper members 152, 154. Otherembodiments include different numbers of scraper members (e.g., a singlescraper member or three or more scraper members). The first and secondscraper members may be generally planar in configuration or have ahelical twist to their configuration. The first and second scrapermembers 152, 154 may have the same or different physical properties suchas, for example, lengths, widths, thicknesses, contours, taper features,angled arrangements, and other features.

The cap 157 has a generally circular construction that matches thegenerally circular shape of the lid aperture 158. The cap 157 mayinclude a cap sealing surface 159 (see FIGS. 15A-B). The cap sealingsurface 159 may contact and provide a seal with a portion of the lidhandle 156. FIG. 12B shows the cap sealing surface 159 contacting aninternal surface of the lid handle 156 to form a fluid tight seal. Otherportions of the cap 157 may form sealing interfaces with portions of thelid handle 156.

The recessed lid assembly 180 includes a recessed lid 182 and a splashlid 184 (see FIGS. 11, 13A-B and 16A-17C). The recessed lid 182 isconfigured to releasably mount to the open top end of the blending jar116. The splash lid 184 is configured to releasably mount to therecessed lid 182. The recessed lid 182 includes a spout 186, a recess188, a recess opening 190, and a seal surface 189 (see FIGS. 16A-B). Thespout 186 may further accommodate the addition of ingredients into theblender jar 116 while the blending blade 118 is operating and the splashlid 184 is in place. The spout 186 provides a place to pour liquids thatare intended to be add to the contents of the blender jar 116 while theblender apparatus 100 is in operation without having to remove therecessed lid 182 or splash lid 184 in order to do so. The recess opening190 may provide access into the blending jar 116 while the recessed lid182 is mounted to the blending jar 116. For example, a user may insertingredients through the recess opening 190 and into the blending jar 116while the blending blade 118 is operating.

The splash lid 184 may include a base 191, a connection portion 192, asupport portion 194, and a plurality of cutouts 196 (see FIGS. 17A-C).The connection portion 192 and support portion 194 extend from and aresupported by the base 191. The connection portion 192 is configured toprovide a releasable connection between the recessed lid 182 and thesplash lid 184. The connection portion 192 may include a snap-fitfeature that provides a snap-fit connection between the recessed lid 182and the splash lid 184. A portion of the connection portion 192 mayextend through the recess opening 190 in the recessed lid 182 (see FIG.13B). The connection portion 192 may include a plurality of connectionmembers 192A-B. The connection members 192A-B may operate independently.The connection portion 192 may have many different types of connectionfeatures that assist in releasably connecting the splash lid 184 to therecessed lid 182.

The support portion 194 may operate to support the splash lid 184 on therecessed lid 182 (see FIG. 13B). The support portion 194 may space apartthe base 191 from surfaces of the recess 188. The cutouts 196 may beformed in the support portion 194 at spaced apart locations around aperimeter of the support portion 194 (see FIG. 17B). The cutouts 196 mayprovide a flow path from inside the splash lid 184 into the recess 188,and out of the recessed lid assembly 180 through the spout 186. Thesplash lid 184 may more effectively accommodate the addition ofingredients into the blending jar 116 while the blending blade 118 is inoperation. The splash lid 184 provides a place to pour liquids that areintended to be added to the contents of the blending jar 116 while theblender apparatus 100 is in operation without having to remove thesplash lid 184 or recessed lid 182 in order to do so. The splash lid 184may provide at least some venting of the blending jar 116 to helprelieve internal pressure within the blending jar 116 generated duringoperation of the blender apparatus 100.

Referring now to FIG. 18, the blending jar 116 may include a blendingblade 218 having tips or winglets 246. The tips 246 may be positionedadjacent to the internal surface 140 of the blending jar 218. The tips246 may extend at least partially vertically upward closely adjacent theinternal surface 140. The tips 246 may extend upward more (see 246A) orless to provide an optimal scraping or blending function. The extendedtips 246A may be referred to as scraper members or scraper portions ofthe blending blade 218. The tip extensions 246A may be integrally formedas a single piece with the blending blade 218. In some embodiments, thetip extensions 246A may be formed as separate pieces that are connectedto the blending blade 218 in a separate assembly step.

The tip extensions 246A may provide a scraper function, similar to thescraper members described herein with reference to lids 20, 120. Forexample, the extended tips 246A, or the regular tips 246, may help movefood particles off of the internal surface 140. The extended tips 246Amay help move food particles in an axial direction toward or away fromother portions of the blending blade 218. The extended tips 246A may bearranged and configured to disrupt rotational flow of food particleswithin the internal volume. The extended tips 246A may converge towardthe inner cylindrical wall 140 (as shown in FIG. 18) or may extendparallel to and closely adjacent the wall 140.

A portion of the extended tips 246A may alternatively be in contact withthe internal surface 140. In some arrangements, the extended tips 246Amay be positioned adjacent to the internal surface 140, perhaps with avery slight frictional fit, or remain slightly out of contact with theinternal surface 140.

While this invention has been described with reference to certainspecific embodiments and examples, it will be recognized by thoseskilled in the art that many variations are possible without departingfrom the scope and spirit of this invention. The invention, as describedby the claims, is intended to cover all changes and modifications of theinvention which do not depart from the spirit of the invention. Thewords “including” and “having,” as used in the specification, includingthe claims, shall have the same meaning as the word “comprising.”

We claim:
 1. A blending apparatus, comprising: a blending jar having aninternal surface defining an internal volume, the internal surfacehaving a sidewall, the sidewall having a jar surface angle, the jarsurface angle being greater than zero; a mixing blade positioned withinthe internal volume; a lid releasably mounted to the blending jar, thelid having a single-piece construction, the lid including at least onescraper extending into the internal volume, the at least one scraperhaving an outer surface substantially entirely extending at aninwardly-directed radial extension angle relative to a central axis ofthe lid, the radial extension angle mirroring the jar surface anglebelow where the lid is mounted to the blending jar while the lid ismounted to the blending jar, the at least one scraper being disposed onthe lid at a periphery of the lid where the lid is mounted to theblending jar, the at least one scraper extending from the lid at theperiphery of the lid, the at least one scraper being arranged andconfigured to disrupt rotational flow of food particles within theinternal volume, the at least one scraper extending at a circumferentialextension angle relative to the central axis of the lid.
 2. The blendingapparatus of claim 1, wherein the lid includes a pass-through bore. 3.The blending apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lid includes at least twoscrapers.
 4. The blending apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least onescraper has a contoured shape along a length of the at least onescraper.
 5. The blending apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least onescraper has an elongate shape that tapers at a free distal end of the atleast one scraper.
 6. The blending apparatus of claim 1, wherein the atleast one scraper is in contact with the internal surface alongsubstantially an entire length of the at least one scraper.
 7. Theblending apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lid includes a graspableportion accessible outside the blending jar, the graspable portionextending in a direction opposite the at least one scraper.
 8. Theblending apparatus of claim 1, wherein the internal surface of theblending jar extends circumferentially, and rotating the lid moves theat least one scraper in a circular direction along the internal surfaceto move food particles into the rotational flow.
 9. The blendingapparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least two scrapers are equallyspaced apart circumferentially around the lid.
 10. The blendingapparatus of claim 7, wherein the graspable portion extends outside ofthe blending jar and the at least one scraper extends within theblending jar.
 11. The blending apparatus of claim 1, wherein the atleast one scraper includes a beveled edge.
 12. The blending apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the lid is rotatable in opposite directions relative tothe blending jar.
 13. A blender apparatus, comprising: a stationarybase; a motor mounted within the stationary base; a mixing containerhaving a blade configured to blend food particles held within the mixingcontainer, the mixing container being removably securable to thestationary base for operable connection of the blade to the motor, themixing container having an internal surface; a lid removably securableto the mixing container and rotatable relative to the mixing containerwhile secured to the mixing container, the lid including a base portioncovering at least a portion of an opening into the mixing container, thebase portion having a bottom surface; at least one scraper attached to aperipheral portion of the bottom surface where the lid is secured to themixing container, the at least one scraper extending from the peripheralportion of the bottom surface, the at least one scraper having anelongate shape that extends into the mixing container from theperipheral portion downward adjacent and parallel to a taperedcylindrical sidewall of the internal surface below where the lid issecured to the mixing container, the at least one scraper extending at acircumferential extension angle and helically twisted relative to acentral axis of the lid, the at least one scraper extending at aninwardly-directed radial extension angle relative to the central axis,the at least one scraper being positioned entirely above the blade;wherein rotation of the lid while the lid is removably secured to themixing container dislodges food particles from the internal surface ofthe mixing container with the at least one scraper.
 14. The blenderapparatus of claim 13, wherein the lid includes first and secondscrapers.
 15. The blender apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first andsecond scrapers are equally spaced apart from each other.
 16. Theblender apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one scraper iscontoured along its length.
 17. The blender apparatus of claim 12,wherein the lid includes a graspable portion extending opposite from theat least one scraper.
 18. A blending apparatus, comprising: a blendingjar having an internal surface defining a substantially cylindricalinternal volume, and a mixing blade positioned within the internalvolume; a lid releasably mounted to the blending jar, the lid includingat least one scraper member having a proximal end disposed on the lidwhere the lid is releasably mounted to the blending jar and extendingdownward into the internal volume adjacent and parallel to the internalsurface to a distal end, the at least one scraper member extending fromthe lid where the lid is releasably mounted to the blending jar, the atleast one scraper member extending at a circumferential extension anglerelative to a central axis of the lid, the distal end being positionedhigher along the internal surface than the mixing blade, the at leastone scraper member being arranged and configured to disrupt rotationalflow of food particles within the internal volume; a lid handle portioncentrally disposed on the lid and extending away from the lid oppositethe at least one scraper member, the lid handle portion being graspableto turn the lid relative to the blending jar while the lid is mounted tothe blending jar; wherein the at least one scraper member is configuredto turn relative to the blending jar while the lid is mounted to androtated relative to the blending jar.
 19. The blending apparatus ofclaim 18, wherein the lid is constructed as a single piece.
 20. Theblending apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one scraper ispositioned at a peripheral edge portion of the lid.
 21. The blendingapparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one scraper is positionedentirely within the blending jar when the lid is mounted to the blendingjar.
 22. The blending apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises abase portion mounted to an open end of the blending jar, the at leastone scraper being formed integral with the base portion.
 23. Theblending apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a base portionmounted to an open end of the blending jar, the at least one scraperhaving a fixed orientation relative to the base portion.
 24. Theblending apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lid is rotatable relative tothe blending jar to scrape food particles from the internal surface ofthe blending jar with the at least one scraper.
 25. The blendingapparatus of claim 1, wherein the blending jar comprises a lid recess ata top portion of the blending jar, and wherein a sealing surface of thelid is configured to seal by contact against the lid recess.
 26. Ablending apparatus, comprising: a blending jar having an internalsurface defining an internal volume, the internal surface comprising atapered cylindrical sidewall portion; a mixing blade positioned withinthe internal volume; a lid releasably mounted to the blending jar, thelid having a single-piece construction including at least two scrapersdisposed on a peripheral portion of the lid, the at least two scrapershaving lengths, the entire lengths of the at least two scrapersextending into the internal volume adjacent to and mirroring the taperedcylindrical sidewall portion of the internal surface at aninwardly-directed radial extension angle relative to a central axis ofthe lid while the lid is mounted to the blending jar, the at least twoscrapers extending downward into the blending jar from the peripheralportion where the lid is mounted to the blending jar, the at least twoscrapers being arranged and configured to disrupt rotational flow offood particles within the internal volume, the at least two scrapershaving a helical twist shape and extending at a circumferentialextension angle relative to the central axis of the lid.
 27. A blendingapparatus, comprising: a blending jar having an internal surfacedefining an internal volume; a mixing blade positioned within theinternal volume; a lid releasably mounted to the blending jar, the lidhaving a single-piece construction including at least one scraperdisposed on a peripheral portion of the lid, the at least one scraperextending into the internal volume adjacent to the internal surfacebelow where the lid is mounted to the blending jar while the lid ismounted to the blending jar, the at least one scraper extending downwardfrom the lid where the lid is mounted to the blending jar, the at leastone scraper extending from the lid at the peripheral portion where thelid is mounted to the blending jar, the at least one scraper beingarranged and configured to disrupt rotational flow of food particleswithin the internal volume, the at least one scraper extending into theblending jar at a circumferential extension angle and a radial extensionangle relative to a central axis of the lid, the radial extension anglemirroring a tapered sidewall surface angle of the internal surface, thelid having a handle portion extending in an opposite direction from theat least one scraper, the handle portion having a central pass-throughaperture.
 28. The blending apparatus of claim 27, further comprising acap mounted to the handle portion and covering the central pass-throughaperture.
 29. A blender apparatus, comprising: a stationary base; amotor mounted within the stationary base; a mixing container having ablade configured to blend food particles held within the mixingcontainer, the mixing container being removably securable to thestationary base for operable connection of the blade to the motor, themixing container having an internal surface and a lid recess; a lidremovably securable to the mixing container and rotatable relative tothe mixing container while secured to the mixing container, the lidincluding a base portion covering at least a portion of an opening intothe mixing container, the base portion having a bottom surface; a firstscraper and a second scraper, the first and second scrapers attached toa peripheral portion of the bottom surface where the lid is secured tothe mixing container and having a contoured elongate helical twist shapethat extends into the mixing container from the peripheral portiondownward adjacent and parallel to the internal surface, the first andsecond scrapers extending at a circumferential extension angle and aradial extension angle relative to a central axis of the lid, whereinthe first and second scrapers taper toward the central axis within themixing container, the first and second scrapers being positionedentirely above the blade; a graspable handle portion connected to thelid and extending away from the base portion of the lid opposite thefirst and second scrapers, the handle portion having a centralpass-through aperture; wherein rotation of the lid while the lid isremovably secured to the mixing container dislodges food particles froman internal surface of the mixing container with the first and secondscrapers.
 30. A blending apparatus, comprising: a blending jar having aninternal surface defining a substantially cylindrical internal volume,and a mixing blade positioned within the internal volume; a lidreleasably mounted to the blending jar, the lid including at least onescraper disposed on a peripheral portion of the lid, the at least onescraper extending from the lid into the internal volume adjacent to theinternal surface, the at least one scraper extending at acircumferential extension angle relative to a central axis of the lid,the at least one scraper being arranged and configured to disruptrotational flow of food particles within the internal volume; a lidhandle portion centrally disposed on the lid and extending away from thelid opposite the at least one scraper, the lid handle portion beinggraspable to turn the lid relative to the blending jar while the lid ismounted to the blending jar; wherein the at least one scraper isconfigured to turn relative to the blending jar while the lid is mountedto and rotated relative to the blending jar.